If you are considering studying landscape design you might have some valid questions to ask before you make a decision on whether to take that course or not. This article provides some useful pointers.

Landscape design is all about making the most of a particular plot of land so it delivers exactly what the landowner wants it to deliver. This holds true regardless of the size or type of plot or who owns it. For example one owner of a small garden may want it to be a cosy place they can retreat to with no lawn and a range of plants that are easy to tend to. In contrast another owner may have a large garden and they may want climbing plants, some decking, a barbecue area and a large lawn for the kids to enjoy. As you can see, there are many different ways landscape design skills can be put to good use. It all depends on the client and on the plot you have to work with.

Indeed, this is why it is prudent to study landscape design before you offer it as a service.

A landscape design one year course can be expected to cover all the relevant areas you will need to learn about. One key area is the distinction between soft and hard landscaping. Hard landscaping focuses on the site itself and on the various ways it can be designed and arranged to look good. This includes using materials such as wood, concrete and brick to create walls, paths and other features that cannot be changed. In contrast soft landscaping will focus on planting and how (not to mention when) it should be done.

While the design element obviously comes into play as well, these two areas are very important to remember. They provide a whole host of information you can use to help you learn how to make the most of any plot. The knowledge you glean from the landscape design one year course will also help you provide good advice to those clients who may not know what they want to do with their plot. While some people have firm ideas of what to do, others have little idea at all other than a basic feeling. The things you learn on a good quality course will help you get the results you want if you are going to offer a landscaping service to your clients.

No doubt, you’ll find it hard work to learn everything that is taught on the course. However at the end of the year you will look back and realise just how much you have discovered. You will be surprised at the level of detail that goes into these courses, and the benefits that come from taking in that detail. Since a good course will teach you how to become a freelancer in this area too, you will understand just how powerful it can be to take a good year-long course.